Awakening of a Jehovah's Witness:
Escape From the Watchtower Society

Reviews

Part 1 - Diane giving presentation about how any why she wrote her book. (15 minutes)

ONE OF THE SEASON'S MOST PSYCHOLOGICALLY ASTUTE BOOKS

Who are those polite, well-scrubbed Jehovah's Witnesses who appear at our doors to hand out leaflets and offer to discuss the Bible? Diane Wilson, made vulnerable by a childhood of psychological abuse, succumbed to the group's charms and remained a member for 25 years. Wilson describes the indoctrination process, the hypocrisy, and the gradual suppression of individuality. Much of what she describes might be said of any cult, and members of mainstream religions may come to see the dangers of fanaticism in their own faiths.

A VERY INFORMATIVE AND MOVING BOOK

Ms. Wilson provides plenty of examples of the ever-changing doctrines and contradicting teachings. I find the book to be well written and most importantly, the facts well-researched. It is apparent to me that Ms. Wilson put a lot of effort into creating this incredible recollection of her life as a Witness. Overall, a very informative and moving book.
---Amazon.com Reviewer

BRILLANT!

Thank you for writing a book that even 36 years after my leaving the organization still helped me cope. Your book also brought added peace of mind to me as it further validated my decision to leave. My mother's recent death begged me to read your book to bring closure for me on the death of the mother I did not have for 36 years, as the Jehovah's Witnesses denied us a relationship. Your book made me cry so many times reading your story of struggle which so much reflected my own torment and struggle. I only wish I had the courage that you have to help those that need help to be freed of the oppression The Wachtower Society has so brutually inflicted on so many lives.

You did a brillant job on the book !

---Don Ward J.D. LL.M

PROMETHEUS, WE THANK YOU!

The pubishers of this book are well-named, for they bring to us the Sacred Fire the Prometheus of Myth did. I've read every book written by former Jehovah's Witnesses, but this one is the most engrossing and well-written. It's also the most challenging to the world-view of all Biblical literalists.

---Nathaniel J. Merritt

WHEN WE WERE READY, YOUR BOOK WAS THERE

Your book literally almost jumped off the shelf into my friend's hands! Little did we know that by the end of that day, our lives would be irrevocably changed. The very moment I turned the final pages of your book, I knew I had been freed! I cannot thank you enough for having the courage to write such an eloquent and articulate account of your experiences. I am so grateful for your empowering example.

Thank you for writing your book and making it available for us so that when we were ready, it was there.
---Heather Henry, Bookstore Owner
Eclectic Books, Murrieta, CA

THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!!

I, too, share your tears and happiness to be free.
Your book will save many.
It was what saved me.

---Name withheld

CRAMMED WITH FACTUAL CONTENT

We were brought up not to talk about certain subjects, and religion has usually been on that list. In a time of history when fundamentalism and cults seem to increase daily, Diane Wilson's book is the record of a journey from childhood abuse to find a "family" in the local Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah's Witnesses to disenchantment with this cult and how she finally broke free.

Reflecting twenty-five years of being active in the Watchtower Society, Ms. Wilson has written a book that is crammed with factual content and a personable writing style that makes you want to continue reading. Her vulnerability and understanding of others who have experienced or are experiencing what she did are helpful. This is a book that can help all of us who relect on abusive churches, characteristics of cults, authoritarian mind control and manipulation, and toxic faith systems.

This book looks clearly at the psychological methods of the Jehovah's Witnesses and the inconsistencies within the Watchtower Society as well as its canonical statements that are just vague enough to be confusing if one desires clear-cut or consistent answers. Ms. Wilson looks at medical mandates that have caused untimely deaths, suffering, and ambivalence, including twenty-five medical "zig-zags". A startling list of doctrinal "flip-flops" and an outline of false prophecies give great insight into the inconsistencies that are to be taken on human authority.
This handsome book, which includes an epilogue, author-recommended reading list, appendices, glossary, bibliography, and index, is an important one to read so we each have the insight to help others reach a place of hope, joy, freedom, and life.

---Alice Ann Glenn, The Pen Woman 2007

A SPIRITUAL THRILLER!

Diane Wilson, former long-time member of the Watchtower organization, has written a veritable "spiritual thriller", describing her dramatic journey to psychological freedom. She explores with frankness and passion her unfortunate servitude to the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, an organization which views itself as the sole possessor of all religious truth.

The fascinated reader will be swept along emotionally as Diane details her odyssey to freedom from what most former Jehovah’s Witnesses describe as a mind-control cult. Diane spells out her initial vulnerability to the unique claims of the Watchtower Society and her fierce struggle to disengage herself from such powerfully persuasive people; in short, she reveals the dark side of Watchtower worship.

As a former high-ranking member of the Watchtower Society, I can personally vouch for the veracity of her analysis of Watchtower methods and policies. In my twenty-two years as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, I had attained the position of “Traveling Overseer” both in the United States and Brazil. I am a graduate of the Watchtower Bible School, “Gilead”, and have spent tens of thousands of hours attending meetings, studying their literature, going from door-to-door with the Watchtower message, and giving sermons in hundreds of Kingdom Halls (Witness churches). Diane’s description of life in the Watchtower Society is painfully accurate. If the reader has friends or neighbors or loved ones in that Organization, Diane’s moving autobiography will poignantly underscore the tragic position these individuals are in. The reader will put down Diane’s book (and I’m sure most will read it in a single sitting) with a greatly enlarged understanding of what life in the Watchtower cult is all about. And, perhaps more importantly, with deeper sympathy for those unfortunate people known as Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Donald Nelson
Former Watchtower missionary in Brazil

A GREAT EXPOSE!

I was a bit hesitant about this book as it is not from a "Christian" publisher. But I found it did a great job of explaining the type of personality attracted to the control style of this church. She also does a great review of their beliefs and how they have been changed over the years as prophecies failed to come true. Although Christians helped her, she has not turned to an evangelical church after leaving the Jehovah's Witness. She does leave the door open to the possibility. A great expose worth reading.

---Joan Nienhuis
His Place Reviews

A RAY OF LIGHT AND HOPE

The description of your inner turmoil was such a powerful rendition of what I have experienced as a Jehovah's Witness, and have had a difficult time sharing with others.Thank you for giving me the gift of indeed feeling understood. The courage you displayed in your approach to leaving the Watchtower Society is an absolute ray of light and hope for others who may struggle to do the same in the future. Thank you for taking this path of bravery and authenticity. I, for one, am deeply grateful.

--Reverend Rochelle M. Knight

AUTHOR IS CERTAINLY BIASED---BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN SHE IS WRONG

Quite a few former members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses have written about their time in this religious organization, with Diane Wilson’s being one of the most interesting.

For twenty-five years she was an active member of the Watchtower Society, only able to finally leave after a great deal of difficulty and heartache. Although Wilson certainly offers quite a lot in the way of critiques of the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ theology and practices, that is not really the primary point of her book. Rather, those critiques form the backdrop of her own personal struggles as she gets involved with the organization, slowly grows disenchanted with it, and then tries to break free.

Many of her problems, often manifesting through physical ailments, develop due to her fruitless attempts to reconcile two things: first, her desire to maintain the only community of friends she has, and second, the fact that this community is emotionally, intellectually and psychologically destructive.

Wilson also supports her arguments with copious citations and extensive quotes from original sources. Even though she is not an unbiased person, if even a fraction of what she reports happened just as she says, the credibility of the Watchtower Society is sorely compromised. Moreover, if the attitudes she describes are at all common, then it is reasonable to believe that the Watchtower Society is not just another Protestant denomination. Her story reveals the manner in which an organization can exert undue influence over the thinking and lives of members. It’s not a product of supernatural powers, but rather the conscious manipulation of human psychology in known and predetermined ways. It is this, then, that makes such groups a danger.

Does the leadership of the Watchtower Society try to dictate not simply spiritual matters to members, but also minor details of how they should dress, decorate their homes, speak, and even think? Absolutely---Wilson has veritable horror stories about how church elders work to control the lives of members down to the smallest degree. She also has stories about the hypocrisy of church elders who, it seems, have little compunction at violating the rules which they demand others follow without hesitation.

Does the Watchtower Society deceive people? Certainly---prospective members are deliberately not told everything about the group’s doctrines because it is feared that such full disclosure might give them doubts. Current members are not told everything about what the leadership has taught in the past, lest that give them doubts about the leadership’s claim to authority. Finally, the “theocratic war doctrine” authorizes members to lie to outsiders, even in court, if the goal is the benefit of the organization.

Most people have had the experience of Jehovah’s Witnesses coming to the door and offering to share their religious beliefs, but just who are these Jehovah’s Witnesses, really? Are they simply another Protestant denomination of Christianity? Are they a dangerous cult? What is the truth about their organization and doctrines? One way to learn more about groups as insular as this is through reports and experiences of former members.

WELL-DEVELOPED AND PERSUASIVE

In the late 1960s, Diane Wilson joined the Watchtower Society, devoting her life to the Society's teachings. Despite frequent and rather pointed indications that the Society had some fundamental ideological problems, she remained a member for nearly three decades, until her own research convinced her the Society was, at best, seriously confused and, at worst, downright deceitful.

This is an extremely personal book; it recounts Wilson's own experiences with the Society. Awakening of a Jehovah's Witness isn't a these-people-are-evil book; it's a here's-what-I-discovered book. It's a story of a young woman searching for truth and spiritual fulfillment who discovered, well, mass confusion. In a particularly interesting couple of chapters, she details the similarities between the Society and the accepted definition of a cult, or an abusive church (control-oriented leadership; manipulation through fear or guilt; preoccupation with demons; the group's doctrines are the only Truth, even if new doctrine contradicts established Truth; and many, many other rather frightening things). She also lists several of the Society's failed prophecies -- including, of course, its prediction that Armageddon would begin in 1975 -- and charts some of the Society's doctrinal changes, as it reversed itself, and then reversed itself again, on several important ideological points.

Wilson paints a picture of the Society as an extremely confused, deeply hypocritical organization devoted mainly to the control of its members through indoctrination, intimidation, and, ultimately, the fear of everlasting disgrace. The book is one person's story -- it's probably worth pointing this out -- and it does not purport to be an objective analysis of the Watchtower Society. But, having said that, I must also say this: Wilson's central theme -- that the Society is a dangerously confused organization that strips away one's individuality and replaces it with a kind of hive mentality -- is well developed and entirely persuasive. Check the book out, and make up your own mind.

David Pitt
Bookloons Non-Fiction Reviews
www.bookloons.com

A CLASSIC FOR THE SHELF OF EVERY PASTOR AND COUNSELOR

Some people discover a talent late in life they were not aware of, like Grandma Moses the painter. Diane Wilson is a very gifted writer, but her former lifestyle would have suppressed any individuality and creativeness she had. Her gift for writing and communicating was only discovered after she left the Watchtower. Her true inner feelings and writing come across in her book "Awakening of a Jehovah's Witness: Escape From the Watchtower Society".

When I first became aware of her book I was excited, not because it was another book that showed why the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society was cultic, but because it dealt with the feelings and emotions of a person who was trapped in a domineering society. Too many books on Jehovah's Witnesses just rehash the same failed prophecies, show where the Society has changed its version of the Bible, and show how to answer Jehovah's Witnesses. Most are cold theological discourses which don't deal with the emotional /​ mental /​ spiritual state of the Watchtower victim. Diane Wilson's book, though, is different and a well needed breath of fresh air for those of us who have a calling to research and help people out of cults, especially counselors.

It is a book that is hard to put down. Like an adventure novel, it flows from one situation to the next and you feel you are almost there with her. You can live her journey with her through the Watchtower Society, see the twisted poison she is being fed, the lies she starts to believe, and you want to call out to her, "Don't listen to them!". You want to slap the ministerial servants and elders of the Kingdom Hall she attends when they feed her uninformed medical opinions and cause her untold anguish and pain. You're praying for her when she begins to question and doubt all she has been told. This isn't just a book, this is an experience revealed through the eyes and mind of a Watchtower slave.

Diane's story tells of how she nearly lost her baby due to Watchtower error, suffered medical mishaps due to the Society's misunderstanding, had her mother /​ daughter relationship taken away, then had to treat her daughter like she was dead when her daughter rebelled and left the Watchtower. Diane tells of the fake enticing love she was shown before she committed to become a Witness, and the cold hard treatment she received as soon as she was baptized.

She shows how she was coached to smile and shut up, even though everything in her was screaming to get out. She shows how the Watchtower not only enslaves your mind, but also controls your body and spirit. She skillfully weaves some of the Watchtower's thought-stopping techniques into her story, and we can recognize it when we minister to Witnesses. A good example is found on page 95: "If you have doubts about the organization, it is because Satan is causing the doubts; however, because Satan only attacks true Christians, your having doubts proves that the organization is the truth!"

Incredible logic! Her thoughts began to fold in on themselves and this is shown in many examples where she became nothing more than an automaton for the Watchtower. She explains also on pg. 95: "...I succeeded in burying my doubts and disagreements to the point of feeling I had none." And on page 103, "Constantly repressing my true feelings, submitting to the organization, and putting up mental roadblocks to avoid death-dealing independent thinking was a lot of hard work which resulted in my feeling stripped of my own personality and little more than an automaton."

Diane put up with this for 25 years, fear being the force that kept her there. She shows how Jehovah's Witnesses have no assurance of salvation, and strive constantly to work harder in case the vengeful god of the Watchtower should be displeased with them and destroy them at Armageddon (which is always just a short time away, so work hard!). She illustrates this on pg. 97 with the image they were given of a man rowing and struggling in a small boat about to be swept over a large waterfall and the terror on his face, and that unless he rowed harder he would be destroyed. These kinds of images litter Watchtower publications. Along with the picture given, we are told the elders used to ask the Witnesses, "How do you know if Jehovah has forgiven you?" to which they would reply, "You won't know until Armageddon--but we have to keep trying, or else we will be truly lost". What a contrast to the teaching of Jesus who said "Come to Me all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest".

Later in the book Diane begins to give more insights into the Watchtower's zig-zagging doctrinal positions on many medical issues, much of which are neglected by other researchers, and are invaluable information for those in the medical profession (e.g., "May Witnesses accept Hemodillution in lieu of a blood transfusion?").

She pulls back the cloak of darkness the Watchtower doublespeak uses to confuse the media into thinking they had lifted bans, making things a matter of conscience. The 'matter of conscience' she shows us really means, "Do this and you will never ever see paradise, your family and friends will never talk to you again, you can't come into one of our Kingdom Halls again or associate with another Jehovah's Witness, and Jehovah God will destroy you". Certainly an easy choice to make, isn't it, especially when life hangs in the balance!

If there's one thing this book has given me---someone who's studied and taught about the Jehovah's Witnesses for over 11 years---it's an insight into the minds, the fears, the double thinking and emotional suppression Watchtower victims suffer. I believe this is a classic and should be on the shelf of every counselor and pastor that deals with Jehovah's Witnesses and ex- Jehovah's Witnesses. To those in different countries where I have taught classes about cults, I recommend this book, not only for it's insights into Watchtower life and mindset, but for insights into any mind controlling cult--it is a classic example.

Diane, this is a masterpiece, your heart shows through this and it says to every Jehovah's Witness, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed".

To any Witness who reads this review, Diane doesn't hate you, she isn't spreading propaganda, she isn't an apostate walking in darkness under the control of Satan. She wrote this because she understands you and loves you, and knows how it feels to be trapped in circular reasoning, thought suppression, and fear to the point of having dangerous physical manifestations. She wrote this book out of the love of Christ that is truly in her and she wants to share with others.

THIS BOOK WILL KEEP YOU SPELLBOUND

The ways of the Watchtower are indeed stranger than fiction; the author does an excellent job in bringing these to light. Some of the Watchtower's doctrines and rules that the Jehovah's Witnesses must follow are so strange, that a person might wonder how they could possibly be true. But they ARE true. I know because I have experienced them myself. Although the Watchtower boasts that all JWs believe exactly the same things, I knew some elders in some congregations who were quite lax when it came to applying the stringent Watchtower rules. In reference to these, elders of my congregation would say, "We all know which congregations are not going to survive Armageddon." I knew a JW woman who was thrown out of the Jehovah's Witnesses because she ignored the elders' request that she stop wearing pantsuits to the JW meetings. I knew a young JW man who was exemplary, but was socially avoided by other JWs because his hair was touching the top of his ears, instead of being shaved around the ear. I knew a woman who was ousted from the Watchtower organization because she was too frightened to scream while she was being raped. I have known of elders kidnapping sick JW babies from hospitals, to avoid a court order to have the baby receive a necessary blood transfusion. They hid the baby, only for the baby to die. I believe every word the author says in this revealing book, because I have experienced so much of it myself. I laud her for exposing the dark side of the Watchtower that is stranger than fiction. This book could well save many lives, by warning people of the hidden negative aspects of the Watchtower beliefs before they succumb to the very persuasive tactics of the JWs. This book will keep you spellbound.

Amazon reviewer: Abigal

VERY PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF STRUGGLE TO LEAVE "THE TRUTH"

Having read Martin's outsider-looking-in approach, with its heavy emphasis on doctrinal disputes, and Franz's headquarters-insider take on the very human behavior inside "Gods' Organization," I found Diane Wilson's account fresh and compelling. She writes of her personal spiritual journey--one that was distorted first by her human parents' failings, then by the failings of the spiritual parent that adopted her--the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Much of the unkind, callous, spiritually hypocritical treatment she encountered could probably be found in most religious organizations. People, after all, can be unkind, callous and spiritual hypocritical--especially when they believe themselves to be counted amongst a religious elite. What makes Wilson's story compelling, is that she belonged to a group that claimed exclusive hold to THE TRUTH. Anyone outside of the Jehovah's Witness family will be annihilated at Armegeddon, according to this sect. The author could not just change churches, or even denominations. The only escape was to leave the organization, and face damnation and the shunning family and friends. The horror of this option is compounded by the reality that Witnesses tend to have no relationships outside of their religious community, as such are seen as "worldly" or even satanic.

Wilson tells a compelling tale of the dangers of having other gods (be they false deities, money, possessions, or religious institutions) before the Almighty God. Any sect that claims that it has the exclusive path to the Father, in fact has made itself an idol. Lord Acton's political statement that power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely applies well here, and Wilson deserves kudos for sharing her obviously painful decades-long experience.

Rev. Tommy C. Ellis
Correctional Chaplin

A MUST- READ!

This book, which reads like a novel, is one mother's story about life in the Jehovah's Witness religion. To fully understand a religious movement, individual life stories such as Diane Wilson's are critical. Having read many accounts similar to Ms. Wilson's, it is obvious to me that her story must be taken very seriously. Only one who has lived the life as an active baptized member of the Watchtower Society can fully understand what it is like to live as a Witness (or trapped because a spouse or family member is a Witness). All too often, leaving means loss of family and lifelong friends, as happened to Ms. Wilson. Her account will give the reader a feel for what it is like to be a Witness (and many Witnesses will often find themselves saying, "That is just how I felt!" or "That is what happened to me!")

Outsiders seem to have a difficult time accepting the reality of what it is like being involved in the Watchtower Society. Read this book, (and also check the many references) and find out why. Even a veteran Watchtower-watcher can learn much from this well- documented story.

A trend exists in some part of society, and even in academia, that implies one should not say unkind things about other religions. This rule may be fine in mixed company, but it will interfere in helping to understand this and any other movement. Also, few people wish to apply this rule to some groups, such as the Taliban, although certainly scholarly studies and individual life stories are both necessary to understand both the Taliban and the Watchtower. Both have more in common that it first appears. To find out why--this book is a must-read.

A PERSONAL AND COMPELLING ACCOUNT

Some books by ex-Jehovah's Witnesses strive for objectivity by putting some distance between the author and the material. Awakening of a Jehovah's Witness, though, is an intensely personal account. It focuses on the issues that concerned the author and does not attempt to be a comprehensive overview of the religion. Nonetheless, Ms. Wilson convincingly demonstrates through her narrative that the Watchtower Society cannot possibly be what it claims--that is, God's sole channel of communication to humanity.

She backs up this point in several ways. In one section of the book, she states that the Society doctrine has been inconsistent, zig-zagging between contradictory doctrines. She proves this by quoting directly from their own literature. She also highlights, by examples, the sentiments of many disillusioned ex-Witnesses. For example, almost all ex-Witnesses I've spoken to mention that they left, in part, because the Watchtower's rule-based philosophy of life encourages only conditional love.

I believe that this book can motivate Witnesses who have doubts to take the bold step of leaving the organization. Indeed, I loaned this book to a woman in that position and she quit the religion immediately after reading it. I do not think that she would have been moved by a dry deconstruction of Witness doctrine. Rather, she affirmed that she responded to the book's exposure of hypocrisy within the organization.

Since Witnesses are strongly discouraged from saying anything negative about the Watchtower Society, a member with doubts may feel he or she is misguided or even evil. This causes such people much suffering. I am pleased that Ms. Wilson has been brave enough to bare her soul so that others can see that they are not alone in their distress.

A MIND-BOGGLING EXPERIENCE!

I loved this book for many reasons; it has a good mixture of personal experiences, extensive documentation, and the author's sense of humor and personal strength amidst of all her pain made me just want to cheer for her.

As a clinical therapist, I could understand the sequence of events that led her down this self-destructive path and at the same time, appreciate her inner strength and core characteristics that never allowed her to fully succumb to the brain-washing techniques used by this organization. Reading the pages of her book and watching as her self-esteem developed, I could almost visualize the author blooming into this beautiful flower that not even she knew existed.

The book itself is very thought-provoking and I learned a great deal about cults and the manipulating techniques they employ, especially guilt, shame and blame. It also reminded me that I should be empathetic to the victim's of these cults and pray too that they will have an "AWAKENING".

Debbie Greer, MFT (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist)
Los Angeles

FASCINATING AND INSIGHTFUL!

Diane's book is one of those "un-put-downable" reads, especially for someone like myself who is also enjoying a happy and healthy 'life after Watchtower'! I started to turn page corners down when I read a point that really hit home, until I realized that I was turning these corners on almost every page!! I have read many books written by former JWs, but this one was particularly well written and meaningful, containing the unique viewpoint of a woman trying to exist in this very male-dominated sect. Perhaps I'll buy a case and give them as Christmas gifts! :)

--Reviewer: Richard B Lapo Jr

MIND AND HEART

A clear demonstration of the emotions that come into play when discussing religious experience. I liked the mix of factual topics like JW doctrinal changes with the personal conflicts that many probably experience, but are told how evil that is to think about and feel when seeing injustice or untruth.

The Watchtower put the organized into "organized religion", this shows how the higher goals of organizations (including other churches as well) supercede the individual need. Don't suspend your higher mental functions when accepting "truth".

This book is much better reading than the confrontational and expose style anti-JW, protestant Christian books. Thinking with mind and heart is much more productive, as is this book.

For those among the Watchtower camp, the material conforms well with many other sources that I've encountered over 30 years about Watchtower practice and teaching. It isn't out to get you, just to make you stop pretending not to notice commonplace occurrences among Jehovah's Witnesses. A good complement to the Ray Franz book "Crisis of Conscience".

Charles Ryba
Albuquerque,NM

BRAVO!

Diane Wilson has provided her readership with a brave, heartfelt insight into the world of Jehovah's Witnesses, the tantalizing effect they have on potential proselytes, and what occurs once an individual is absorbed into "The Organization". Be prepared to experience an onslaught of emotion as you read this important work. She does not apologize for her involvement with this denomination, but rather provides a poignant testimony of the inworkings and machinations of the religion, as well as the devastation often experienced by those who either choose to leave or are expelled. This book should be a part of the library of anyone who has ever had even remote contact or involvement with Jehovah's Witnesses. A must-read!

Jim Moon
South San Francisco, CA

A SERIOUS LOOK INTO THIS ORGANIZATION

For some years I have worked with individuals and their families who are in extreme groups. I have read many books about the Jehovah's Witnesses by ex-members and by theologians who have outlined the doctrinal differences, and they are all good. However, this book shows an indepth look at the control and struggles that Diane went through before finally leaving. I liked the way her therapist just simply asked her questions that were obvious contradictions that she was already seeing for herself. He never put her or the organization down.

I am in the process of copying down the many contradictions that were listed on how many times the governing body, through the Watchtower and the Awake! magazines, contradicted their doctrines, going back and forth. I want to put them in a notebook to have ready to point out when I have an opportunity to talk with members of this group.

Diane points out that the Jehovah's Witnesses attempt to cover up their contradictions by saying it is "new light" or progressive light--but it cannot be either because the doctrines go in reverse, not once, but several times. If one were to use this excellent resource, I believe it would cause a member of this organization to begin to question if this is the TRUTH. Diane, thank you for your courage in writing this book, which will help others to escape the control and fear.

REQUEST AN AUTHOR EVENT IN YOUR TOWN!

(See E-MAIL ME! link at bottom of this column)

GREAT CLOSURE!

As a JW, for many years I had doubts about my decisions and the way I led my life. Your book has confirmed my own thoughts, and I feel it has given me great closure. I would like to thank you very much for writing it.

Lew Tankard
Australia

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!

This book is an unbelievable breath of fresh air, and it took great courage and honest self-introspection to write it.

---Joel, Amazon Reviewer

LOVE IT!!!

The best book of its kind on Jehovah's Witnesses. Diane captures perfectly the life of the average Jehovah's Witness. (I should know, I was one for over 30 years). It's honest and revealing, and I couldn't put it down.

---Paul Scott

MUST-READ
FOR ALL EX-JWS!

A great validation for an ex-JW!
---Tracy E. Loper

ELOQUENTLY WRITTEN!!!

I was brought up in this "cult" by a JW Elder dad and devout JW mother, and can say that this book is correct.
---C. Maria Williams

FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDITION

Presently available only in English. Would you like to see this book published in another language?

E-MAIL ME (see link at bottom of this page) to let me know.

'ACHIEVERS'
AWARD

RE: Awakening of a Jehovah's Witness

"Upon the Recommendation of the Members, this Certificate is presented to Diane Wilson in recognition for achievement in Letters."

---National League of American Pen Women

February 7. 2004

INCREDIBLE BOOK!

I would add to the praise on your website for an incredible book. I am glad to see that your vulnerability of sharing your struggles have helped others who are experiencing the same feelings you had, both past and currently. Well written! Well done!

---Alice Ann Glenn, NLAPW PenWoman
Santa Clara CA Branch

THANK YOU

"Thank you for your time and the gift that you put out to the world, your book and testimony."

---Anthony Foti

A POWERFUL INSTRUMENT

"This book could very well become a powerful instrument for educating open-minded persons about the dangers of cult influence under the guise of Christianity."

--Ed Stafford

Great Radio Guest!

"Diane Wilson is a guest that will have your listeners listening with their ears to the speaker! They will be sitting in parking lots parked with their auto idling because they will refuse to get out and turn off the radio!!!

Rhett Palmer
WAXE 1370-AM
"The Florida Show"

Superbly Written!

"I can almost feel the anguish through your eyes because your book is such a comprehensive and superbly written one. I'm sorry you had to go through this, but also I can say thank you, because the sharing of this tale may save so many from the burden you've borne.

--Frank Whalen
Talk Host, KXNA radio

EXCELLENT!

You have written an excellent book! This is honestly the most intriguing book I have ever read about the Jehovah's Witnesses. I highly recommend it to everyone; especially every pastor and every Christian counselor needs to have this book as part of their library--and they need to devour it before they put it on their shelf, in order to help folks who are struggling with any cult environment, and with the Jehovah's Witnesses in particular. Thank you for writing the book, Diane.

--Paul Edwards
WMUZ radio

DYNAMITE!

This book is dynamite! It's tremendous! It is a really amazing book! I enjoyed it very much, and I highly recommend it to others. We plan to use this excellent book in our education classes.

--Pastor Ernie Sanders WHK 1220-AM radio

TOUCHING LIVES

"If you have friends who are involved or being indoctrinated by those who are called Jehovah's Witnesses, you need to get this book. It will bless them, and it will help them. I pray it will be used of God to change and touch lots of lives."

--Rev. Steve Boalt
KFSG "Let's Talk"

"BEST READS"

Rated: Very Good!!!

Among the most reviewable new books that should be of interest to the news media.

---Today's Books
March 15, 2002

A Public News Service Report to the News Media on the Book Publishing Industry

A TESTAMENT OF COURAGE

The powerful poems Diane writes at the end of her story are testaments of courage on her part and a damning summation to those who lead the Watchtower Society.

Diane Wilson has done society an immense favor in exposing the Watchtower Society for being a blight to the search for reason in our world.

--Joe Mercado, Jr.

JW BOOK SHOCKS

Former cult member Diane Wilson takes readers on a harrowing journey in Awakening of a Jehovah's Witness, now in book stores. Read it and discover for yourself just what those polite, well-dressed people who pass out leaflets are really about.

OLIVER STONE COULD MAKE THIS INTO A SOCK-O FILM!

--Los Angeles Features Syndicate 3-16-02

MAY THE LORD USE YOUR BOOK

May the Lord use your book to proclaim the truth to those who are deceived.

Rhonda Springer
Revive Our Hearts Radio

A REAL PAGE-TURNER!

This book had me so enthralled that I couldn't put it down! I sat on the edge of my seat the whole time.

The author's great sense of humor provided a nice balance to the more serious parts of the book. Her personal story is intensely interesting and very touching.

This is the best book I have read in years. You've got something very special here, Diane.

--Barnes & Noble reviewer

MERIA HELLER

#1 Internet only radio talk show host worldwide!

Know a JW? Been one? Still are? Well, Diane's book is for you if you are open enough to read it. This book blows the door off a secret male-dominated, mind- controlling "cult" that calls itself divinely inspired by God. The history of their tenets is exposed in detail, and the crushing devastation to thousands, perhaps millions of people through their distorted teachings will ASTOUND anyone of honest heart.

I read this book in ONE day, couldn't put it down. The perfect gift for those who won't HEAR it, perhaps they'll read it. I've lived this firsthand and totally AGREE with the author. Her grasp on it is amazing, and will free many minds, hearts and souls. Religion and spirituality have NOTHING in common. God is love; what else is there to say?

--Meria Heller

A PAGE-TURNING MICROSCOPE!

As someone who knew next to nothing about Jehovah's Witnesses, other than their knack for knocking, I found the book to be a page turning microscope into a cult of heartbreak and hypocrisy from someone who was smothered and suffered for a quarter of a century.

At times I found myself laughing from the sheer absurdity of the Watchtower's attempts to constantly find ways to indoctrinate its own members. This book draws you in to the point of jumping into the words and pulling Diane out of this web of lies, mind control and deception.

The next time a Jehovah's Witness knocks on my door, as they offer me their literature, I will be offering them a copy of Awakening of a Jehovah's Witness!

--Matt McClearin
Talk Host
Talk Radio 1370AM
Austin, TX

A LITERARY MASTERPIECE!

I would encourage other ex-Jehovah's Witness Webmasters to put a link to this site on their sites. Diane's work is a literary masterpiece, and a must-read for ex-JWs.

--NomDePlume, Watchtower Observer forum

WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD!

This is the engrossing story of a courageous woman who gained the strength to let go of the fear that encompasses those involved with the Watchtower. What a colossal undertaking this book is!

Thanks to the author for giving a voice to those of us without one. I applaud her courage to speak out.

---Reviewer from Barnesandnoble.com

REFERENCE & RESEARCH BOOK NEWS

The captivity narrative survives in Wilson's account of her 25 years in what she calls the seductive cultlike religious group. Rather than challenging any of its religious tenets, she describes women's issues, her vulnerability to its enticements, abuses she experienced trying to escape, and the heroic rescue by her psychologist.

--Reference & Research Book News May 2002

A GREAT HELP

Diane Wilson's book has helped me to come to grips with myself and my past, and now I am in the healing process. Thank you, Diane!
This book is excellent!!!